16 reasons everyone should travel alone

While traveling with loved ones is fun, it's also just as fulfilling when doing it alone.

There are perks to exploring the world by yourself, from the ability to selfishly control the itinerary to the time you spend being introspective.

There's nothing quite like discovering a new place on your own; taking it all in without anyone but yourself. Anyone who's done it can tell you that the benefits of solo travel are endless. Still, that's not stopping us from spotlighting 20 of the most compelling perks of travelling alone. (Looking to take off on your next solo adventure? Let our local experts create a tailored trip, just for you.)

1. You can be completely selfish

This may be the only context in which selfishness isn't really a bad thing. Travelling with others means making plans with others. Checking out local landmarks, museums, restaurants, and so on can be challenging when each traveller has something different in mind. But what if you could spend each day anyway you like?

"I discovered this on my first solo city break to Warsaw last year, when I spent six hours (yes, six!) in one museum and trekked for what seemed like miles in the cold weather to uncover another," says Insight Guides' own Daisy Cropper. "I'm fairly certain none of my normal travel companions would have put up with that!"

2. You meet interesting people

As Agness Walewinder of eTramping points out, when you travel with others, you typically stick together. In other words, you're less likely to wander away from your tribe. But travelling alone brings something truly valuable to the table.

"I've noticed that when I am on my own on the road, I'm definitely more eager to chat with locals, meet travel buddies, team up with other travellers and generally reach out more in order to socialise," she writes.

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3. You can devour as many books as you want

For me, there are two major perks of escaping day-to-day life while on vacation: sleeping in and reading as much as I please. But when you're travelling with others, you're usually nudged to put your book down and come back to the group. Solo travel gives you the opportunity to read to your heart's content.

Adventurous Kate echoes the same: "When you travel with a companion, you'll always be talking," she writes. "When you're on your own, you'll have a lot of time to fill. And while you could spend it engrossed in your phone, scrolling through photos on Facebook, you could just as easily spend it reading a book."

4. You come to know yourself more intimately

These days, we're constantly bombarded by stimulation; relentless connectivity to others, as well as the Internet. Rarely do we get the chance to sit with ourselves and simply be. Solo travel provides the opportunity to do just that. Being on your own in a new place serves as a permission slip to slow down, without the distractions you'd feel buzzing around you when travelling with companions. Being alone, and really embracing it, is a beautiful part of solo travel.

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5. You can rest without feeling guilty

Feeling wiped out from a long flight? Or from exploring a new city on foot? Let's face it, there's only so much running around you can really do. But when you're travelling with friends, the pressure to keep going can be huge. When travelling alone, on the other hand, you can head back to your room for a guilt-free mid-afternoon nap.

"Want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life? No worries, just head to the nearest beach and laze around for a while," writes Rory from Planet and Go. "It's easy to take time out for yourself while travelling solo and this may even have been the one reason you decided to take this trip in the first place!"

6. You step outside your comfort zone

When travelling with friends or family, you often troubleshoot travel hiccups together. Can't find your way around? The solution usually comes by talking it over.

"Sometimes when you travel with other people, you become used to relying on them when something goes wrong," adds Daisy. "Taking a trip on your own means you have to get out of any tricky trip situations by yourself, which can help with problem-solving, dealing with pressure and (without sounding cliché) developing a little self-belief. I took on a solo hiking and camping trip in Wales last year that had a few issues, including getting slightly lost, but which I was able to resolve (and continue onwards!) on my own. Having more confidence allows you to challenge yourself in greater ways too, whether that's on a future trip or back at home."

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7. You're less likely to feel stressed out

When you're out and about with your regular crew from home, it's easy for old routines and group dynamics to creep up on you. Not so when you're on your own.

"You're not with your usual friends so wave goodbye to the regular drama - no crying on night's out or dependent friends that need taking home," writes Natalie Siagian of six-two by Contiki. You're there for you and you alone, so the only drama you're going to experience is if you make it."

8. You'll have time (and inspiration) to work on creative projects

Been dying to delve into a creative project? Whether it's writing poetry, fleshing out a new business plan, or playing the guitar, travelling alone provides the time - and inspiration - to tap into these desires. When you're untethered to the demands of others (and away from your day-to-day routine), you'll probably find it easier to nurture your creativity.

9. It might make you happier in the long term

Research suggests that getting into vacation mode has the potential to increase our happiness levels. And as Carolyn Gregoire at The Huffington Post points out, spending time alone has also been shown to stave off depression. The takeaway here? Heading off on a solo adventure just might be good for your overall well-being.

10. Travelling looks great on your resumé

This probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind, but solo travel can actually give your career a boost. According to Career Savvy, travelling demonstrates adaptability, financial planning, and optimal communication, among other job-related skills. Amanda Kendle at Vagabondish takes it a step further, writing that discovering the world also showcases cross-cultural understanding, self-sufficiency, and decision-making abilities to prospective employers.

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11. You'll probably improve your language skills

What better way to learn a new language than to throw yourself in head first? Experts at We Are Teachers say that full immersion in a foreign culture (and tongue) is perhaps the best way to dismantle the language barrier. When travelling with others, you're more likely to rely on them for help with translating. And, let's face it, chances are high that you'll communicate with one another in your native language. When you're alone, on the other hand, you're forced to constantly practice the new language.

12. It'll give your confidence a boost

There is something to be said for heading out into the world on your own with no social safety net, so to speak. As longtime solo traveller Janice Waugh points out, forging a path in solitude and making your way through unknown terrain can do wonders for your self-confidence and personal authenticity.

"You discover who you are when no one is looking," she tells CNN. "At home people expect you to act a certain way. When you travel solo, you can be whoever you want to be with no one to judge."

13. It's more cost efficient

It doesn't take a math wizard to see that travelling solo is easier on your wallet. Being on your own means only purchasing one set of flights, as well as single accommodations, excursions, meals, and so on. This may not sound like much, but if you're planning an extended trip, these expenses can add up fast. Going it alone means you'll have more cash leftover to spend as you choose.

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14. You're less likely to be hassled

Robin Lee over at the Sabotage Times is a firm believer that solo travel makes you less susceptible to being hassled.

"A rip-off merchant is far less persistent with a single person, as there's less return," writes Lee. "Being alone means you can blend in with the locals easier which gives you more license to barter goods, fares, street food."

That said, travelling alone doesn't automatically mean that you're totally safe from hustlers. In other words, it's always wise to watch your back when abroad; whether alone or with a group.

15. A bit of loneliness is good for you

Being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. Torre Deroche, the travel writer behind the Fearful Adventurer, says that attending a 10-day silent meditation retreat opened her eyes to this fact.

"I found out how to comfortably sit inside of uncomfortable feelings," she writes. "I discovered that if I don't hook into my worries and instead focus on the present moment — the smells, sounds and sensations of Now — then there is no such thing as awkwardness or loneliness. In fact, loneliness can bring you back to your centre."

16. It can help your problem-solving and decision-making

Expert traveller and writer Janice Holly Booth uses solo travel to channel her courage, especially during times of personal growth and change.

"It's a gift I give myself whenever I have a big life question to tackle or when I just want to crack open my daily routine and scramble things up," she writes. I'm always surprised at what I find and how I feel, and that's what keeps me going back for more."

The takeaway: travelling alone can clear your head, creating some much-needed space to mull over the big stuff.

Have more advice to add? Share you solo travel tips in the comments section below.